Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
March 31, 2026
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
March 27, 2026
What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff?
Clinical Symptoms Infectious Diseases
Pamela Chung, MD
Jackie from Torrence, CA – What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff? I’ve read that the affected person can shed spores for months to years. How long do I need to bleach everything down? What procedures and products are recommended? C.diff (clostridium difficile) is tough to kill and it can spread in Read more…
March 25, 2026
What is Negativity Bias?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Negative bias is a type of cognitive bias where we tend to have a stronger response to negative stimuli and information than positive information of equal magnitude. We feel negative events more intensely and may dwell on them to our detriment. Negativity bias impacts how we consume the news, engage in relationships with other Read more…
March 24, 2026
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Vaccines
Anna Mueller
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
March 23, 2026
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
March 27, 2026
What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff?
Clinical Symptoms Infectious Diseases
Pamela Chung, MD
Jackie from Torrence, CA – What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff? I’ve read that the affected person can shed spores for months to years. How long do I need to bleach everything down? What procedures and products are recommended? C.diff (clostridium difficile) is tough to kill and it can spread in Read more…
March 25, 2026
What is Negativity Bias?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Negative bias is a type of cognitive bias where we tend to have a stronger response to negative stimuli and information than positive information of equal magnitude. We feel negative events more intensely and may dwell on them to our detriment. Negativity bias impacts how we consume the news, engage in relationships with other Read more…
March 24, 2026
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Vaccines
Anna Mueller
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
March 23, 2026
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff?
Clinical Symptoms Infectious Diseases
Pamela Chung, MD
Jackie from Torrence, CA – What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff? I’ve read that the affected person can shed spores for months to years. How long do I need to bleach everything down? What procedures and products are recommended? C.diff (clostridium difficile) is tough to kill and it can spread in Read more…
March 25, 2026
What is Negativity Bias?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Negative bias is a type of cognitive bias where we tend to have a stronger response to negative stimuli and information than positive information of equal magnitude. We feel negative events more intensely and may dwell on them to our detriment. Negativity bias impacts how we consume the news, engage in relationships with other Read more…
March 24, 2026
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Vaccines
Anna Mueller
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
March 23, 2026
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Jackie from Torrence, CA – What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff? I’ve read that the affected person can shed spores for months to years. How long do I need to bleach everything down? What procedures and products are recommended? C.diff (clostridium difficile) is tough to kill and it can spread in Read more…
What is Negativity Bias?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Negative bias is a type of cognitive bias where we tend to have a stronger response to negative stimuli and information than positive information of equal magnitude. We feel negative events more intensely and may dwell on them to our detriment. Negativity bias impacts how we consume the news, engage in relationships with other Read more…
March 24, 2026
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Vaccines
Anna Mueller
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
March 23, 2026
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Tl;dr: Negative bias is a type of cognitive bias where we tend to have a stronger response to negative stimuli and information than positive information of equal magnitude. We feel negative events more intensely and may dwell on them to our detriment. Negativity bias impacts how we consume the news, engage in relationships with other Read more…
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe Vaccines
Anna Mueller
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
March 23, 2026
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
March 17, 2026
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
March 16, 2026
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
We need to talk about measles, again – Measles Update – March’26
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMeasles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health
Health Policy Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Guest Author Nicole Loew, PhD, RN
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
March 13, 2026
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
This post was written by Guest Contributor Dr. Nicole Loew. She has her PhD in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her research interests include understanding how women’s contexts impact their perspectives of sexual health and their sexual behavior. Political Determinants of Health: The Policies Behind Our Health When we talk about health, most Read more…
Happy Birthday to Us!!
Videos Women in STEM
Those Nerdy Girls
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
March 12, 2026
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Six years ago, a group of nerdy scientists and clinicians started answering health and science questions for their friends and family — and somehow, it turned into this. The ultimate OG Nerdy Girl and Founder Malia Jones and our current Executive Director MK invite you to celebrate with us today! Six years ago, a group Read more…
Who is John Snow, the father of Epidemiology?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
March 11, 2026
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
What do you do when you get a bunch of Nerds together in real life? Of course, you create a video about the father of Epidemiology! Featuring Nerdy Girls Dr. Gabriella (@gabriellaexplains), Dr. Jenn Dowd, Dr. Irini Hadjisavva, Sandy Laping, and MK Haber. Video created by Nerdy Girl Dr. Gabriella @GabriellaExplains. Video edited by Nerdy Read more…
Is it ok to get medical advice from an AI chatbot?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
March 10, 2026
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Any health decision or complex health question should always be discussed with a human clinician. However, AI chatbots can be helpful for answering some basic health questions, with some caveats. It seems like every industry nowadays wants a piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) pie. Healthcare has been no exception, with 2 out of 3 Read more…
Beyond Immunity: Can mRNA vaccines improve immunotherapy in cancer patients?
Treatments Vaccines
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8, 2026
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Researchers have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prime certain cancers to a cancer treatment known as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy! Within 100 days of starting immunotherapy, people with advanced cancer who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines survived nearly twice as long as those who did not receive the shot (approximately 37 months versus 21 months). Read more…
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Pamela Chung, MD
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
March 4, 2026
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
March 8th is International Women’s Day! Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day – here are ways you can join in and #GiveToGain Since March 1911, International Women’s Day has been recognized as a global day of activism and celebration. It is a day for everyone committed to the advancement of gender equality to Read more…
What is the USPSTF and why does it matter?
General Health Health Policy Hot Health Topics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
March 3, 2026
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent advisory panel of experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services. (This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on August 22, 2025.) In July 2025, the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly canceled a meeting Read more…
Can reaching back out heal what hurt me?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
March 2, 2026
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
That urge to reach back out after conflict, distance, or even estrangement is hard to ignore. For some of us, reconnection can be deeply healing, while for others, it can reopen old wounds. We have hovered over someone’s name in our phone, replayed old conversations in our heads, or imagined what it would be like Read more…
Has there been a recent increase in the number of people who identify as transgender?
Data and Metrics Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
February 27, 2026
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial Justice
Nerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
February 24, 2026
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
The overall number of people who identify as transgender in the U.S. is estimated to have increased over the past ~10+ years, particularly among those aged 13-24 years. TL;DR: There has been an increase in the total number of people estimated to identify as transgender in the U.S. overall, especially among teens and young adults. Read more…
Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors
Nerdy Nexus Social and Racial JusticeNerdy Nexus – where science and health meet society Taking Care of Each Other: Resources and Information for Immigrants, Allies, and Neighbors Public health is full of interesting puzzles: How do we keep everyone safe while respecting personal choices? Civil rights ensure we *all* get a fair shot at being healthy—access to good healthcare, safe Read more…
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies and supportive medications exist.
Families/Kids General Health Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
February 23, 2026
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
This year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
February 20, 2026
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best medicine. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), effective therapies for social/communication symptoms and medications to help co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, irritability) exist. Continued research is needed, but in the meantime, avoiding unproven and harmful therapies is the best Read more…
Black History Month: A century of Black women breaking barriers in STEM
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEMThis year’s Black History Month theme—”A Century of Black History Commemorations”—reminds us to honor a full century of contributions while charting the path forward. For Black women in STEM, this century tells a story of groundbreaking achievement against extraordinary odds. These women include the NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose calculations Read more…
What Is Implementation Science?
General Health Health Policy
Guest Author Bertha A. Hidalgo, PhD, MPH, FACE
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…
Implementation science is the study of how to make sure good, evidence-based ideas in medicine and public health actually reach people. In the hospital, very sick patients may need a central line to receive important medicines and fluids. In the past, these helpful tubes too often led to serious infections in the bloodstream. Doctors already Read more…





